Cloud Computing Law

This book is about the légal implications of cloud computing. In essence, 'the cloud' is a way of delivering computing resources as a utility service via the internet. It is evolving very rapidly with substantial investments being made in infrastructure, platforms, and applications, all delivered 'as a service'. The demand for cloud resources is enormous, driven by such developments as the deployment on a vast scale of mobile apps and die rapid émergence of 'Big Data'. Part I of this book exptains what cloud computing is and how it works. Part II analyses contractual relationships between cloud service providers and their customers, as well as the complex roles of intermediaries. Drawing on primary research conducted by the Cloud Legal Project at Queen Mary University of London, cloud contracts are analysed in détail, including the appropriateness and enforceability of 'take it or leave it' terms of service, as well as the scope for negotiating cloud deals. Specific arrangements for public sector cloud procurement and questions
about ownership of data in clouds are also explored. Part III focuses on protection of personal data in clouds and tackles these frequently asked questions: what information is protected, who is responsible, which law(s) apply, and how are international data transfers regulated? Finally, Part IV addresses governance challenges relating to access to data in clouds by law enforcement authorities, ways of facilitating competition between cloud service providers, and the consumer protection implications of cloud computing. The book concludes with an assessment of what needs to be done for effective cloud governance frameworks to be developed.

Contents :

Part 1 - Cloud Computing Essentials
1. Cloud Technologies and Services
2. Control, Security, and Risk in the Cloud

Part II - Cloud Computing Transactions
3. Standard Contracts for Cloud Services
4. Negotiated Contracts for Cloud Services
5. Public Sector Cloud Contracts
6. Ownership of Information in Clouds

Part III - Protection of Personal Data in Clouds
7. What is Regulated as Personal Data in Clouds?
8. Who is Responsible for Personal Data in Clouds?
9. Which Law(s) Apply to Personal Data in Clouds?
10. How Do Restrictions on International Data Transfers Work in Clouds?

Part IV - Cloud Regulation and Governance
11. Law Enforcement Access to Data in Clouds
12. Facilitating Competition in the Clouds
15. Consumer Protection in Cloud Environments
14. Cloud Govemance: The Way Forward